Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Will my insurance company cover Bariatric Surgery?Most private Insurance plans cover Bariatric Surgery. If you schedule a consultation, our insurance specialists will provide a free check benefit for you. Another easy way to find out is to call the Customer Service phone number on your Insurance Card and ask if Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery is a covered Benefit.

Why is Weight Loss Surgery different than a diet? Can the procedure fail too?Many people seeking to have surgical weight loss have tried any number of other diets without long term success. This creates some doubt that surgery may not be effective either. But Bariatric Surgery is not a diet. It helps get to the root of the anatomic and neurohormonal problems contributing to the disease of obesity.Having said that, it is essential for patients to follow and adhere to the recommendations and guidelines spelled out for them by the weight loss team (surgeon, dietician, medical weight loss specialist)

What should my optimal weight be after the surgery?Your weight loss team will be working closely with you after the surgery to make sure you are safe and successful. They will help you determine your healthiest weight by utilizing body composition analysis, dietary, and activity modifications to maximize your results.

Will I need to undergo plastic surgery to eliminate excess skin? Will it be covered by insurance?After reaching weight loss goals, some patients may have excess sagging skin. Dr. Eric Harris, one of our bariatric surgeons is also a Cosmetic Surgeon with the most extensive experience helping with these issues. Insurance can cover certain procedures. We also have competitive pricing and financing options if needed.

Can I drink alcohol after undergoing weight loss surgery?After undergoing weight loss surgery, you may find that even small amounts of alcohol affect you quickly. For the first year, it is suggested that you limit your alcohol intake or refrain from alcohol altogether. Alcoholic drinks tend to be high in calories and can hamper weight loss.

If I choose to undergo weight loss surgery, will I still be able to smoke?We ask patients who smoke cigarettes to quit prior to surgery. This is due to the increased risk of surgery with patients that smoke during the healing time after surgery. Your doctor will talk to you more about this and make it as easy as possible.

Why is exercise important after weight loss surgery?Exercise burns calories, it also helps to build and preserve muscle. Exercise although not absolutely necessary, will make it easier to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. Everyone is different, and ideally each person will discover the activities they enjoy most.

Can I get pregnant after undergoing weight loss surgery?Amazingly, being pregnant after surgical weight loss is much safer. “fertility” or the ability to get pregnant increases with the weight loss. Having said that, you should avoid pregnancy for at least one year after weight loss surgery. Both mom and baby will be happier and healthier for it.

How can I prevent hair loss after undergoing weight loss surgery?Rapid weight loss often causes patients to lose some hair a few months after surgery. This is usually due to reduced intake of protein and the mineral zinc. Your nutritionist will assist you on the appropriate supplements to take after surgery to mitigate this.

What is dumping syndrome?Dumping is a group of symptoms caused by eating or drinking high-sugar or high-carbohydrate foods. This causes symptoms of nausea, abdominal cramping, sweats, possible rapid heart rate, and diarrhea.

Canadian Patient FAQs

What can a Canadian expect?Eviva has customized our service packages to accommodate the needs of our Canadian patients.

We accept BC Biomedical results for all your blood and other medical tests. Some testing may need to be done in WA State.

I can get weight loss surgery in Canada, can’t I? Why should I come to the USA to get it done?There are some procedures done in Canada, but the average wait for surgery is currently 6+ years. At Eviva, we want to get you taken care of in timely fashion, accommodating your surgery potentially in weeks. In addition, we have the most experience conducting the latest procedures, such as LapSleeve.

Are the fees that I pay for my surgery tax-deductible?A number of Canadian patients have successfully submitted their receipts and received tax refunds under Medical Expenses for their weight loss surgery fees. We will provide you with appropriate receipts.

How do I get follow-up support after my surgery?We offer convenient Telemedicine sessions for many types of follow up appointments. All you need is your computer and a webcam.